The 5 Best Colleges for Pre-Meds

Image from

Noodle Staff September 14, 2012

If you think you want to go to Med school after graduation, you've probably heard people talking about "pre-med." So what is it exactly and what schools are best for it?

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

Article continues here

If you think you want to go to Med school after graduation, you've probably heard people talking about "pre-med." So what is it exactly and what schools are best for it?

Pre-med is an educational path that you take as an undergraduate to complete all of the coursework required to apply to medical school. Most schools don't offer a distinct pre-med major so many students major in related fields like biology or chemistry while completing the required courses. The American Association of Medical Colleges requires at least 2 years of chemistry (one of which must be in organic chemistry), one year of biology and one year of physics.

If you're certain that you want to go on to medical school, however, some schools will offer more robust programs than others. A good pre-med college will offer upper level classes in biology, chemistry and genetics that you can take as electives in addition to the AAMC-required coursework. The best schools will also provide undergraduate students with opportunities for research, clinical experience and volunteer activities. Strong pre-med advising resources will also help you graduate with a strong medical school application and a solid background of knowledge that will help you when taking the MCATS.

## These 5 schools offer some of the best pre-med education in the country:

Washington University in St. Louis

Despite being a medium-sized university, WashU offers the pre-med resources of a much larger university. They offer a pre-med specific orientation program, extensive advising and a semester-long MCAT prep course. Pre-med students also have access to specially tailored research and study abroad programs as well as community service and extracurricular activities.

Northwestern University

Northwestern has a great pre-med program with an array of advising resources for students. They also offer an early MD acceptance program with their Feinberg School of Medicine. Undergrads apply in their Junior year and, if accepted, automatically go on to the medical school after thier senior year.

University of Pennsylvania

UPenn is home to some world-class research institutes studying Alzheimers, cancer, AIDS, head injuries, cardiovascular health, and developmental biology, which means you won't have to look far for killer research opportunities with prestigious scientists. The pre-med advising is also extensive, helping students plan their curriculum, research activities, clinical experience and volunteer work.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill has an active chapter of the pre-professional health honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta. There's also a Volunteer Services Office to help pre-med students volunteer at UNC hospitals, an array of courses, and special workshops to help students study for the MCATs and interview with medical schools.

Harvard University

Harvard's student-run Premedical Society ensures that pre-meds are never at a loss for social support and advice. They also put out a Student Guide to Premed Life written for students by students. Harvard's brand name cache, top-notch research facilities and great advising resources mean you're likely to get into med school after graduation.

Image Source